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Medicine courses

If you are fascinated by how the human body works and have a genuine concern for the welfare of others, medicine could be for you. You’ll need to be academically able with great communication and problem-solving skills and have the drive to cope with a demanding five-year course. With further study you could become a GP or work your way up from doctor to consultant in a wide range of medical or surgical areas.

Studying medicine at university

Example course modules

  • Human reproduction
  • Research project In medicine
  • Core epidemiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Body systems
  • Molecules to disease
  • Behavioural sciences
  • Patients, doctors and society
  • Thought, senses and movement
  • Nutrition, metabolism and endocrinology

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

20
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 61%
    Male : 39%
  • Mature : 22%
    School leaver : 78%
  • Full-time : 100%
    Part-time : 0%

What students say about medicine

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Useful to have

  • Critical Thinking
More advice on A-level requirements

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition
More advice on applying to uni

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Personal statement tips and advice

Career prospects

Good news! Medical degrees have, and will no doubt continue to have, some of the best employment outcomes of any qualification in terms of salary expectations and long-term prospects. Unsurprisingly, almost all graduates go into jobs within the health sector. If you're taking a shorter pre-clinical course, you'll need to continue on to further medical training to complete an accredited qualification, which explains why a high proportion of those grads are 'in further study' six months later.
Professional and accrediting bodies:
Sources: HECSU & KIS

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Health professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Hospital doctor
  • General practice doctor
  • Medical specialist

Other real-life job examples

  • Health service manager
  • Solicitor
  • Aid Worker

What employers like about this subject

A degree in medicine will give you skills in good medical practice; in evidence-based medicine; in dealing with difficult or emergency situations and in investigating and diagnosing medical conditions. You will also gain useful transferable skills such as good communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Most doctors work in hospitals, clinics or GP practices, but roles are also available in the Armed Forces, the pharmaceutical industry or working for universities.